White police chief, Eric Winstrom, is happy to be leaving grand rapids (for florida); he was so deperate to get out that he took a $25,000 pay cut; last day... march 1st

By Grand Rapids Anonymous
thursday, february 26, 2026 at 7:38:00 p.m. est

GRA: A final one-on-one with, probably the last White police chief in my lifetime, here in grand rapids. chief Eric Winstrom, in an interview with woodtv, said, "I thought I was going to retire here, but certain incidents happened that forced me to go to florida."

It was a fairly honest look back on his four years and, though he didn't name blacks or mex as the reason for wanting out of grand rapids, viewers knew what Winstrom meant.

"my family was threatened, attacked at home by brick throwing individuals, who disagreed with my view of the Patrick Lyoya case. in a store, one (minority) person came up to me, while I was with my wife and kids and went right up to me and started yelling and shrieking. there were other incidents and threats. I had to look out for my family."

reporter: "Is that why you're leaving?

chief: "Yeeeess."

reporter: "is it true, you're taking a $25,000 pay cut?"

chief: "Yes."

reporter: "that tells a lot."

chief: "it does."

He looked totally relieved and said, "I'm exhausted."

Eric Winstrom can't arrive in florida fast enough.

--GRA